This is the first time that I have heard about Summer and Winter Christians (and a part of me says, what about Spring and Fall?) I would say I fall more in the Winter Christian category. Pain, suffering and darkness are a part of the human experience, no matter how much we try to cover things up. Just like looking at the night sky, we may have occasional moments of light, beauty and awe as seen by the stars and occasionally the moon can shorten the shadows. However, Jesus, the Light of the World, has gone back into the heavens and we do not know when he will return. It's natural to have that feeling of gloom, even though we know the darkness is only temporary.
I don't think that Jesus Christ was quoting Psalm 22 from His Cross when He cried out, "My God! My God! Why have YOU forsaken Me?" I think that He was in that moment of eternity become our propitiation, existentially experiencing the damnation that we now never have to suffer ourselves.
I could be wrong about this, of course, but that is what I've always thought ever since I first read these words.
I wonder if whether you are a Summer or Winter Christian depends on your denomination and/or background. I was raised in a very much Summer mindset - Christ as Victor, finding the positive in everything, etc. So the reality of suffering and the need to lament fills something that was lacking my faith as a younger Christian. But it is true that you can’t live there or you just lose all hope.
First time I've come across this "Summer" v. "Winter" distinction. Thank you. Very helpful. Being a Winter Christian is the only way I can work with my faith, because I cannot be blind to the vast suffering of the world.
I am reminded of Anne Lamott's observation: “The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns. Faith also means reaching deeply within, for the sense one was born with, the sense, for example, to go for a walk.” ― Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith
This is the first time that I have heard about Summer and Winter Christians (and a part of me says, what about Spring and Fall?) I would say I fall more in the Winter Christian category. Pain, suffering and darkness are a part of the human experience, no matter how much we try to cover things up. Just like looking at the night sky, we may have occasional moments of light, beauty and awe as seen by the stars and occasionally the moon can shorten the shadows. However, Jesus, the Light of the World, has gone back into the heavens and we do not know when he will return. It's natural to have that feeling of gloom, even though we know the darkness is only temporary.
I don't think that Jesus Christ was quoting Psalm 22 from His Cross when He cried out, "My God! My God! Why have YOU forsaken Me?" I think that He was in that moment of eternity become our propitiation, existentially experiencing the damnation that we now never have to suffer ourselves.
I could be wrong about this, of course, but that is what I've always thought ever since I first read these words.
I wonder if whether you are a Summer or Winter Christian depends on your denomination and/or background. I was raised in a very much Summer mindset - Christ as Victor, finding the positive in everything, etc. So the reality of suffering and the need to lament fills something that was lacking my faith as a younger Christian. But it is true that you can’t live there or you just lose all hope.
First time I've come across this "Summer" v. "Winter" distinction. Thank you. Very helpful. Being a Winter Christian is the only way I can work with my faith, because I cannot be blind to the vast suffering of the world.
I am reminded of Anne Lamott's observation: “The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns. Faith also means reaching deeply within, for the sense one was born with, the sense, for example, to go for a walk.” ― Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith